*German, WWII, Silver Grade Anti-Partisan Warfare Badge (Bandenkampfabzeichen), Juncker Type, Semi-Hollow Reverse with 3 Voids*
An original Second World War Silver Grade Bandenkampfabzeichen (Anti-Partisan Warfare Badge), struck in zinc and measuring approx. 6 cm x 5 cm, retaining remnants of its original silver finish.
The obverse displays strong relief and crisp die detail. A downward thrusting sword bearing the sun-wheel swastika pierces the writhing five-headed Hydra above a Totenkopf skull, all enclosed within a finely detailed oak leaf and acorn wreath. The snake scales, skull features, and wreath veining remain well defined, with no softness or casting characteristics associated with post-war reproductions. Three pierced cut-outs are present within the lower Hydra field — one to each side and a smaller central void adjacent to the sword blade — consistent with documented Juncker die variants.
The reverse is of the characteristic semi-hollow “scooped” construction associated with C.E. Juncker, Berlin, mirroring the obverse design rather than presenting a flat plate back. The badge is fitted with a vertical needle pin and soldered barrel hinge assembly consistent with mid-to-late war Juncker production. Hardware appears period and undisturbed.
The zinc body displays expected late-war toning, where the original silver wash has largely worn and migrated into the base metal, producing the soft grey patina characteristic of period zinc awards. High points show natural finish thinning consistent with age and wear.
Approx. Measurements – 6 cm x 5 cm.
Historical Note:
Instituted by Adolf Hitler on 30 January 1944 at the urging of Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, the Bandenkampfabzeichen recognised participation in anti-partisan operations (Bandenbekämpfung) conducted in occupied territories behind German front lines. Operations were directed by SS and Police leadership and involved composite formations drawn from the Waffen-SS, Ordnungspolizei, Sicherheitspolizei (SiPo), Sicherheitsdienst (SD), and supporting Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe units. In 1943 SS-Obergruppenführer Erich von dem Bach-Zelewski was appointed Chief of Anti-Partisan Warfare (Chef der Bandenkampfverbände), coordinating large-scale operations under Himmler’s authority.
Three grades were authorised: Bronze – 20 combat days, Silver – 50 combat days and Gold – 100 combat days. For Luftwaffe personnel, sortie equivalents applied (30 / 75 / 150). A proposed Gold Grade with Diamonds was produced by Juncker for potential presentation to Himmler but is not known to have been awarded.
The known wartime manufacturers of the Bandenkampfabzeichen are C.E. Juncker of Berlin, Steinhauer & Lück of Lüdenscheid, and Rudolf Souval of Vienna. The present example’s semi-hollow, scooped reverse — which mirrors the obverse design rather than presenting a flat plate construction — is widely associated with Juncker production, whereas badges attributed to Steinhauer & Lück and Souval are more commonly encountered with flat, solid-backed reverses.
Because of the nature of anti-partisan warfare in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, the decoration remains historically controversial.
*Condition*
An honest and well-preserved example. The obverse retains strong definition with even age-related toning. The reverse hardware is secure and functional. No evidence of modern casting, replaced fittings, or post-war alteration observed. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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